Breast Augmentation Surgery Methods: The Areola Incision

By Sheryl Pilcher on October 16, 2015

Patients can put their trust in Dr. Sheryl Pilcher. One of the leading cosmetic surgeons in the San Antonio area, she routinely achieves excellent results that help patients look their best and feel great about the decisions.

About the Areola Breast Augmentation Incision

The incision made around the areola is one of the most common types of breast augmentation surgery incisions. Using this method, the cosmetic surgeon makes the incision around the edge of the areola, which is the portion of skin around the nipple which tends to be darker or differently colored from the rest of the skin of the breast.

Why Is the Areola Incision Such a Common Surgical Technique?

The areola incision method allows cosmetic surgeons a great deal of versatility and control when it comes to the placement and position of breast implants.

The Advantages of Areola Breast Augmentation Incisions

The biggest advantage of the areola incision method, as alluded to above, is that surgeons are given a lot of versatility in terms of how to place the implants into the breast pocket. Silicone or saline breast implants can be used during this kind of surgery, and surgeons are able to place the implants either above or beneath the pectoral muscle with a fair amount of ease.

The Disadvantages of Areola Breast Augmentation Incisions

The primary disadvantage of the areola breast augmentation incision method is that there will be some scarring on the breast since incisions are made around the areola. Many patients would prefer to have their incisions better hidden or not the breasts themselves at all.

A Word About Post-Surgical Scarring

While the areola incision is made on the breast itself, patients should keep in mind that scarring after surgery is often relatively subtle for many patients. Surgeons work carefully to ensure that the incision is hidden along the rim and blends in with the edge of the areola as seamlessly as possible. The scarring fades with time and is concealed by most undergarments, bathing suits, and tops.

The nature of post-surgical scarring can vary from patient to patient based on genetics, skin color, and other factors. That's why it's important to discuss all options for surgery in full detail during your consultation at the practice.

Alternatives to the Areola Breast Augmentation Incision

Apart from the areola incision method, cosmetic surgeons can also use the inframammary technique (incision along the underside of the breast), the transaxillary technique (incision in the arm pit), and the transumbilical technique (incision in the belly button). Each of these incision methods have their own advantages and disadvantages worth considering.

Which Surgical Method Would Be Best for Me?

The best way to find out which kind of surgical method would be best for you and your needs is to meet with a cosmetic surgeon for a full consultation. This will allow you to learn about the risks and benefits of all surgical options and to make the best choices with regard to your overall health, wellness, and cosmetic needs.